Walter Mosley is an acclaimed American author known for his diverse literary works that explore themes of race, identity, and social justice. With over 60 books to his name, Mosley has made a significant impact on the literary world with his thought-provoking and compelling storytelling.
Walter Mosley Books in Order
- Devil in a Blue Dress (Easy Rawlins, #1)
- The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
- Down the River Unto the Sea (King Oliver #1)
- A Red Death (Easy Rawlins #2)
- Black Betty (Easy Rawlins, #4)
- The Long Fall (Leonid McGill, #1)
- The Man in My Basement
- White Butterfly (Easy Rawlins, #3)
- Little Scarlet (Easy Rawlins #9)
- Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Summary of Walter Mosley Books in Order
Devil in a Blue Dress (Easy Rawlins, #1)
“Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosley is a gripping mystery novel set in 1948 Los Angeles. The story follows Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, an African American war veteran who is struggling to make ends meet. After losing his job, Easy is approached by a white man named Mr. Albright, who offers him money to find a missing woman named Daphne Monet. As Easy delves deeper into the case, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption, violence, and deceit. The novel explores themes of race, power, and morality as Easy navigates the dangerous streets of Los Angeles in search of the truth.
Walter Mosley’s writing is immersive and evocative, bringing the post-war era of Los Angeles to life with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. The character of Easy Rawlins is complex and compelling, as he grapples with his own moral code while navigating the treacherous world of crime and deception. The novel’s noir atmosphere and gritty realism make for a captivating read, as Easy uncovers dark secrets and confronts the demons of his past. “Devil in a Blue Dress” is a masterfully crafted mystery that offers not only thrills and suspense, but also a thought-provoking exploration of race and society in post-war America.
Overall, “Devil in a Blue Dress” is a compelling and thought-provoking mystery novel that delves into the complexities of race and power in 1948 Los Angeles. Walter Mosley’s writing is skillful and immersive, drawing readers into a world of corruption, deception, and danger. The character of Easy Rawlins is a captivating protagonist, as he navigates the moral gray areas of his investigation and confronts the harsh realities of his environment. With its richly detailed setting and engaging plot, “Devil in a Blue Dress” is a standout entry in the mystery genre.
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
“The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” by Walter Mosley is a poignant and powerful novel that tells the story of Ptolemy Grey, an elderly man living in Los Angeles. Ptolemy is struggling with dementia and is living in squalor when he meets a young girl named Robyn who offers to help him regain his memories and live out the rest of his days with dignity. As Robyn navigates the complexities of Ptolemy’s past and his declining mental state, the novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of the past on the present.
The novel delves into the complexities of Ptolemy’s life, including his troubled childhood, his experiences as a young man in the Jim Crow South, and the people who have shaped his life. As Ptolemy’s memories slowly begin to resurface, he must confront the traumas and tragedies of his past in order to find peace in the present. With its rich character development and thought-provoking exploration of memory and aging, “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” is a deeply moving and emotionally resonant story.
Walter Mosley’s writing is compelling and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and inner turmoil of Ptolemy Grey as he grapples with the challenges of aging and memory loss. The novel offers a powerful meditation on the human experience, reminding readers of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the enduring power of memory. “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” is a beautifully written and unforgettable novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the impact of the past on our lives.
Down the River Unto the Sea (King Oliver #1)
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A Red Death (Easy Rawlins #2)
“A Red Death” is the second book in the Easy Rawlins mystery series by Walter Mosley. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, the novel follows the African-American private detective Easy Rawlins as he is hired to find Daphne Monet, a mysterious and seductive woman with a shady past. As Rawlins investigates, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of political corruption, racial tension, and violent gang activity. The novel also delves into the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by Rawlins as he navigates through a tumultuous and racially charged environment.
Throughout the book, Mosley skillfully captures the atmosphere of post-war Los Angeles, painting a vivid and realistic picture of the city and its inhabitants. The novel is filled with colorful characters, including corrupt politicians, ruthless gangsters, and enigmatic women, all of whom contribute to the suspense and intrigue of the story. As Rawlins delves deeper into the investigation, he must confront his own ethical choices and the consequences of his actions, making “A Red Death” not just a riveting mystery, but also a thought-provoking exploration of race, power, and justice in mid-20th century America.
With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and compelling plot, “A Red Death” is a captivating and immersive read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, detective novels, and social commentary. Walter Mosley’s skillful storytelling and insightful exploration of complex themes make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of crime, race, and society.
Black Betty (Easy Rawlins, #4)
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The Long Fall (Leonid McGill, #1)
“The Long Fall” by Walter Mosley is the first book in the Leonid McGill series. The novel follows Leonid McGill, a private investigator in New York City who has a less-than-perfect past. McGill is trying to turn over a new leaf, but his past comes back to haunt him when he is hired to find a woman’s missing son. As he delves into the case, McGill uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and danger that threatens to unravel his new life.
The novel is a gripping and gritty detective story that delves into the seedy underbelly of New York City. Mosley’s writing is taut, and he expertly crafts a plot full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. McGill is a complex and compelling protagonist, and the supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed. The novel also explores themes of redemption, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions.
“The Long Fall” is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of hardboiled crime fiction. Mosley’s expert storytelling and vivid depiction of New York City make for a compelling and immersive reading experience. The novel sets the stage for an exciting new series and will leave readers eagerly anticipating McGill’s next adventure.
The Man in My Basement
“The Man in My Basement” by Walter Mosley follows the story of Charles Blakey, a struggling African American landlord who reluctantly agrees to rent out his basement to a mysterious white man named Anniston. As Anniston pays an exorbitant amount of money to stay in the basement, he convinces Charles to confine him in chains for his own personal reasons. As the days pass, Charles becomes conflicted about his decision and questions Anniston’s motives while also dealing with his own personal struggles.
The novel delves into themes of race, power, and guilt as Charles grapples with the implications of his actions and the complexities of his relationship with Anniston. Mosley skillfully weaves a thought-provoking narrative that raises questions about morality and the nature of human connection. The intense psychological drama keeps readers engaged as the story unfolds, leading to a surprising and impactful conclusion.
Through skillful storytelling and compelling characters, “The Man in My Basement” offers a riveting exploration of the human psyche and the intricacies of human behavior. Mosley’s masterful writing creates a gripping tale that will leave readers reflecting on the consequences of choices and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
White Butterfly (Easy Rawlins, #3)
White Butterfly is the third installment in Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series. The novel follows private investigator Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins as he delves into the dark underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles. Easy is hired by a white mayoral candidate to investigate the death of a young, black woman named Coretta James. As he delves deeper into the case, Easy uncovers a web of corruption, racism, and violence.
Set against the backdrop of racial tension and social upheaval, White Butterfly explores the complexities of race and power in America. The novel paints a vivid picture of post-World War II Los Angeles, capturing the racial dynamics and societal struggles of the era. Mosley’s writing is gritty and atmospheric, drawing readers into Easy’s world as he navigates the dangerous streets and alleyways of the city.
As Easy navigates the treacherous terrain of politics, race, and crime, he confronts the harsh realities of a society divided by race and class. Mosley weaves a compelling narrative that is both a suspenseful mystery and a thought-provoking commentary on the racial dynamics of mid-century America. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, White Butterfly is a gripping and powerful read that will leave readers thinking long after they’ve turned the final page.
Little Scarlet (Easy Rawlins #9)
In “Little Scarlet (Easy Rawlins #9)” by Walter Mosley, the story is set in Los Angeles in 1965, against the backdrop of the Watts riots. Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran turned private detective, is asked to investigate the murder of a young woman. The police are focused on the riots and don’t have time to solve the case, so Easy takes it upon himself to uncover the truth. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a web of lies, corruption, and racial tension in the city.
As Easy navigates through the dangerous and volatile environment of post-riot Los Angeles, he encounters various characters, some of whom want to help him and others who are determined to stop him from finding the truth. With the police turning a blind eye to the murder and his own life on the line, Easy perseveres to bring justice to the victim and shed light on the racial injustices that plague the city. The novel explores themes of racism, social unrest, and the struggle for justice, all within the context of a gripping detective story.
“Little Scarlet” is a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the Easy Rawlins series, combining the elements of a classic detective novel with a powerful exploration of race relations and social issues. Walter Mosley skillfully weaves together a complex and engaging plot while shedding light on the challenges faced by African Americans in a racially divided society.
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned is a collection of short stories by Walter Mosley that follows the life of Socrates Fortlow, a tough ex-convict living in South Central Los Angeles. The book delves into Socrates’ struggles and experiences as a black man trying to navigate the challenges of poverty, racism, and violence in his community. Each story presents a different aspect of Socrates’ life as he confronts difficult moral choices and grapples with his own sense of identity and redemption.
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent streets of Los Angeles, the book provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by the residents of the neighborhood. Mosley’s powerful storytelling captures Socrates’ resilience and determination as he seeks to find meaning and purpose in a world filled with adversity. The collection highlights the themes of community, justice, and the human capacity for hope and transformation.
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, as well as a poignant commentary on the complexities of race and social inequality in America. Through Socrates’ experiences, Mosley offers a compelling and compassionate look at the struggles faced by those living on the margins of society, ultimately delivering a message of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Biography Walter Mosley
Walter Mosley, born in 1952, is a prolific author known for his bestselling mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins, as well as a diverse range of other works including literary fiction, science fiction, young adult novels, and political monographs. His short fiction has been widely published and his nonfiction has appeared in prestigious publications such as the New York Times Magazine and the Nation. Mosley has received numerous awards, including the O. Henry Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, a Grammy, and PEN America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He currently resides in New York City.
In conclusion, Walter Mosley’s books offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of race, politics, and social issues through the lens of compelling storytelling and well-developed characters. His work challenges readers to confront the complexities of systemic racism, power dynamics, and identity, while also providing a nuanced portrayal of black experiences in America. Mosley’s ability to weave these ideological lessons into his narratives makes his books both impactful and relevant, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the societal forces that shape it.
FAQs about author Walter Mosley
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